Whether it is called a small group, life group, adult class, or Sunday school, it can, overtime, get stale, predictable and boring.   Few things are as monotonous and tiresome as a lifeless, cold religious setting without spirit, zeal or excitement.  As teachers and preachers, we are to safeguard our classrooms from such dreary settings.  Here are a few things you can do to recharge the group you lead.

1. Evaluate Your Content.

People need to know what God has said.  They may be drawn to your personality, leadership skills, and charisma, but those qualities are short-lived if there is …

The modern philosophy of church growth is speckled with flowery and vibrant colors of ambiguity.  Go into any contemporary church these days and you will find some basic tenets of welcome.  When I say “contemporary” I am not referring to a particular musical style or any specific religious movement.  From the progressively-liberal evangelical to the staunchly-conservative fundamentalist you will find some common denominators.  Neither group would easily agree that they have anything in common; but just below the surface their camaraderie exists.  What makes them similar is not necessarily what you see; it is what you DO NOT hear.

One

The start of another year is steadily approaching.  Three hundred and sixty five days are soon to be gone, and like a Ferris wheel at the carnival, it will roll around again in like fashion.  The New Year is one of the most exciting times of the year.  I love the possibilities that wait for me, my family, and my church in these approaching days.

Like most of you, I have certain expectations, desires, and goals already lined up for 2014, and I want to do all I can to make those aspirations a reality.  There was a time in …

When I first met Heather I knew I wanted to marry her.  I had always heard about such sappy love stories, and thought such a notion was only written in the pages of a Hollywood manuscript.  But I can honestly say, I knew immediately that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.  In those initial days, I did what many other guys were doing – I flirted with her.  You know what I mean, the subtle innuendos of romance…the sentimental gestures of infatuation: the winks, the calls, the goofy names.

More than likely, some form of …

According to a recent article by Thom Rainer (president and CEO of LifeWay Bookstores), more and more churches are implementing New-Member classes into their education department.  These classes give direction and clarity to those who are making decisions about joining your church.  They also allow the church to be forthcoming about their policies, practices, and philosophy.

I personally believe such classes should be a staple in our ministries.  Think about it…rarely would someone purchase a new car without driving it.  No one I know would sign their name to a contract without knowing the content.  You wouldn’t want to purchase …